Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Lorain, OH: $198,037 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Lorain, OH — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $198,037/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Lorain's price premium (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $218,343 in average-cost America. The 42% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Achieving top-tier earnings as an air traffic controller in Lorain, OH, is a reality for those with the right experience and credentials. The 2026 projections indicate that the highest earners can expect a salary of $198,037, with the 75th percentile at $177,311, highlighting the lucrative opportunities available for senior professionals in this sector. When compared to the national top earners, those in Lorain are competitive, despite a median salary of $139,247 that falls approximately 8.32% below the national median annual salary of $151,886. This stark difference underscores the significant gap that exists between median and top-tier pay, illustrating what commitment and additional skill development can yield in terms of compensation.
About the Lorain Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lorain
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Lorain earn between $177,311 and $198,037 per year (2026 est.). This $117,273 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Lorain median of $139,247 sits 8.32% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Lorain | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $139,247 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $177,311 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $198,037 | $221,151 |
In Lorain, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 42.22% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Lorain
Advanced Certifications in Ohio
OH air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $139,247 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Lorain employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Lorain command premium compensation, often reaching the $177,311–$198,037 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Lorain metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced air traffic controllers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured air traffic controllers in Lorain with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Air Traffic Controllers in Ohio who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Air Traffic Controller Career & Wage Growth Path in Lorain
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLorain ranks #11 of 67 Ohio cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $198,037).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Lorain ($198,037) is 0.54% below the Ohio average P90 ($199,109).
2019 BLS Actual
$157,891
2025 BLS Actual
$193,075
2026 Current Est.
$198,037
2019–2027 Growth
+28.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Lorain (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $157,891 | Actual |
| 2020 | $165,467 | Actual |
| 2021 | $166,551 | Actual |
| 2022 | $169,963 | Actual |
| 2023 | $179,983 | Actual |
| 2024 | $172,022 | Actual |
| 2025 | $193,075 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $198,037 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $203,127 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Lorain saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $157,891 in 2019 to $193,075 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.57% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $203,127 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lorain metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.57% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Maximizing Your Air Traffic Controller Earnings in Lorain
Several factors and specializations significantly influence advanced air traffic controller pay in Lorain. En route radar controllers, who manage high-altitude traffic between airports, typically command the highest salaries, while terminal radar approach controllers and tower operators follow closely behind. The employment landscape also varies by employer type, with salaried positions at FAA ARTCCs, TRACONs, and military bases often yielding differing compensation structures. Further career advancement is shaped by the progression from developmental controller to certified professional controller and beyond, emphasizing a strong pathway for those who invest in their roles. Besides the base salary, non-salary benefits such as shift differentials and overtime can enhance total earnings significantly, particularly during staffing shortages. Certifications and specialized training from the FAA Academy add even more value, making it clear that those dedicated to elevating their skills can maximize their earning potential in Lorain.
More salary data for Lorain, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Lorain in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Lorain?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Lorain?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Lorain?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Lorain?
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Written by Jordan Lee, ATO
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience as an air traffic controller. He specializes in terminal area control at a major airport.
Methodology & Data Source
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $193,075 for air traffic controllers in the Lorain metro area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lorain is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.57%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for air traffic controllers (SOC 53-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov